Practice
Trials and arbitration hearings
Most cases settle. We prepare every one as though it won't, because a fair settlement rests on being ready for trial.
Cornelius Greaves leads our trials, with a second lawyer at the table in every one. We try cases to juries and judges in state and federal court, and argue them before arbitrators. We also take over cases close to trial when another firm can't continue, if the calendar allows it.
Cases like
Jury and bench trials
Commercial arbitration hearings
Cases taken over before trial
Mediation with a trial plan behind it
Post-trial motions
How we get a case ready
Trial preparation starts the day the case comes in, not the month before.
The story in one page
We write the case as a jury would hear it, early, and test every motion against it.
Every witness, prepared
We prepare each one with the documents they'll be shown, so nothing in the courtroom is new to them.
The exhibits
Every exhibit is tagged, numbered and agreed or fought over well before the first day.
The budget
A written trial budget, phase by phase, so the cost of going the distance is never a surprise.
Asked once a trial date is set
How likely is it that my case goes to trial?
Most civil cases settle before trial, many of them at mediation. We prepare every case as though it will be tried, because that's what makes a fair settlement possible.
Can you take over my case from another lawyer?
Often, yes. We'll read the file, the court's schedule and what's left to do, and tell you honestly whether we can be ready in time.
What's the difference between a trial and an arbitration?
An arbitration is a private hearing before an arbitrator the parties choose or a panel, usually set by contract. It's often faster, with fewer appeal rights. We'll explain what applies in yours.
A trial date on the calendar?
Tell us the court, the date and what's been done. We'll tell you whether we can be ready.